2011 Season in Review

Work in Progress ContinuesEmerging Star Bruce Named All-Skyline

Purchase, NY (Apr. 1, 2011) – Although Purchase only won two matches this spring, the Panthers showed signs of progress in a transitional year under new interim skipper Bill Kutner.

Kutner replaced Nelson Kwok early on during the recruiting season and made due with a small roster. Despite the team’s record, the Panthers were in nearly every match and the development of some of the squad’s core players was noticeable, especially the play of Kevon Kareem Bruce, who at season’s end was named to the All-Skyline 2nd Team for his solid spring campaign.

[SENIOR LEN MUI -Photo by Oren Vourman]

One of the few bright spots in a rebuilding year, Bruce established himself as one of the best players in the Skyline in his first season as a Panther. Bruce was twice named to the league Honor Roll and boasted team highs in kills and service aces. The outside hitter was also a great leader for a developing team that featured a new head coach and nearly an entirely new lineup.

In addition to Bruce, Len Mui and Bruno Estrada enjoyed solid seasons as well. Mui, an OH, anchored the Panther offense and Estrada, a talented setter, set the tone. Mui graduates this May. He will be sorely missed moving forward.

The Panthers return nearly everyone, minus Mui. Purchase’s group of up-and-comers also includes Mateo Morel, Quentin Vidal, Thomas DeCarlo, Christian Cepeda. Veterans Daniel Fontanez and Estrada are also expected to return for 2012.

“We are extremely excited about the future,” said Kutner, who is working on a strong recruiting class for next season. “This was the first step and we believe we can build off of this season for next year.”